Summer is traditionally the season of the carefree fling—the kind of relationship in which you happily throw caution to the wind—but the celestial forecast isn’t quite as carefree this year.
Venus, the beneficent planet of love and beauty, will be retrograde in Leo from July 22 to September 3, throwing relationships into disarray and inspiring larger questions about what we value and how we want to be valued by others. And, as of June 19, the planet was already in its pre-retrograde shadow, bringing to the surface relational themes that we’ll be confronted with in full force once the planet officially begins its apparent backspin.
When a planet retrogrades, it appears to slow down and backtrack from Earth’s perspective. That process is thought to stymie our progress in the areas of life over which it rules, forcing us to reconsider our actions in these areas. In the case of Venus retrograde, this means examining how we love ourselves and others, our value systems, and what makes us feel confident, sexy, and worthy.
The fact that Venus rules over relationships makes Venus retrograde (which occurs approximately every 18 months) especially significant. We can certainly expect to see a lot of high-profile romance and relationship drama, so now is a good time to reflect on partnerships in general and how we act within them.
While it may be tempting to place blame for relationship problems on a partner, the energy of Venus retrograde in Leo—a sign of self-confidence and pride—makes this a personal transit. It emphasizes the importance of self-love and being in a good relationship with yourself. Finally, it serves as a reminder that how we treat others reflects how we treat ourselves, so it is critical to treat ourselves well.
What to expect from Venus retrograde in Leo in 2023
The fact that Venus is retrograding in fire sign Leo lends this transit a particularly dynamic energy (Leo’s symbol is the lion, after all), as well as doubling down on the love themes at work. Because Leo rules over matters of the heart, Venus in Leo always marks a romantic time. When you factor in the retrograde, you get the opposite effect: a greater likelihood of relationship problems and even heartbreak.
Because Leo governs our passion, authenticity, and how we present ourselves in the world, we may find ourselves reevaluating these themes as well, according to Mesa. In some ways, this entails examining our egos.
One shadow side of Leo is a preoccupation with being recognized or receiving a certain amount of attention. She warns that when combined with Venus, which rules over beauty and appearances, Leo energy can veer toward egotistical performance. This transit’s work will include avoiding that tendency in favor of genuine self-expression. To put it another way? It’s time to remove your mask if you’re wearing one.
Venus is also the planet of money and resources, so Venus transits can cause a desire to overspend. It may feel difficult to save money this summer, but that is exactly what we want to focus on. Whereas freely spending can easily lead to superficiality, being more measured with your purchases can push you to explore what you truly want and value—and that’s the kind of authentic expression that Venus in Leo is all about.
How will Venus retrograde affect your relationships, whether you’re single or partnered?
Venus retrograde is often associated with a reckoning in relationships—a rediscovery of what you truly want or don’t want in a partner. As a result, you may gain a new perspective on how a relationship (current or prospective) can help you be the most authentic version of yourself.
With Mercury retrograde in Leo, there is an extra emphasis on what the heart desires and how those desires may have evolved or are in the process of evolving. During this retrograde, you may notice that a particular relationship or thing in your life is no longer igniting your passion or allowing you to thrive as it once did.
However, this is not the time to begin a new relationship. Venus retrograde, like any other retrograde, is a time for reviewing, reassessing, and reimagining what has happened recently and processing lessons, rather than charging forward into something new, whether it is a relationship or something else.
On the contrary, an old flame may resurface in your life during this Venus retrograde, and it’s one of those rare instances where that relationship may work the second time around, possibly because that person has done the internal work to grow or process their mistakes.
However, even if it does not or cannot for whatever reason, entertaining a reconnection with a person from your past may be worthwhile. They may teach you something about yourself, provide you with healing closure, or open your eyes to the ways you’ve grown since your partnership with them.
While confronting your current relationship or reconnecting with someone from your past may feel messy or painful in the moment, it will eventually start a process of self-love. Because Leo is a sign that always shines in the end, there is this energy of remembering that you are lovable, worthy, and unique as an independent person. And when you enter any relationship with that mindset (ideally, post-retrograde), you’re in a better position to both give and receive love from others.
This summer’s Venus retrograde in Leo will affect each zodiac sign differently:
Aries
Relationship rumblings may be especially audible for you, Aries. Venus retrogrades in your fifth house of romance, passion, and inherent creativity, which may direct your attention to the nature of your love life and whether or not you feel fulfilled within it.
If you’re in a relationship and the spark has faded, use this retrograde to reconsider doing something fun with your partner again. For example, if you used to go to a certain pizza place or have these drive-in movie nights and haven’t done so in a long time, make it a point to do so again. If you’re single, use this time to consider what it is that would truly light you up romantically.
Taurus
What does the word “home” mean to you, Taurus? Because this retrograde is in your fourth house of familial roots, you may be piecing together how your childhood experiences relate to your current life.
There’s this serious reassessment of the inner child happening for you in the sense of, ‘Did that kid get what they needed from the people who raised them?’. He goes on to say that the question you should ask yourself going forward is, “How are you creating a space that nurtures both your inner child and who you are now, as an adult?”
Gemini
Gemini, you don’t usually stumble over your words. However, as this Venus retrograde arrives, it will be in your third house of communication, which is also associated with your planetary ruler Mercury, which may leave you feeling as if you can’t connect with anyone. You may be unable to hold a meaningful conversation or experience a creative block in your mind, where you are unable to generate a single good idea.
To manage, we must slow down, just as our good friend Venus appears to be doing in the sky. Investigate patterns in your relationships to determine whether you are the one impeding effective communication. Consider reaching out to someone from your past for advice—someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time but who you know will always understand you.
Cancer
Cancer, you may find yourself second-guessing what you have to offer. As an emotional water sign, you’re no stranger to self-doubt, but Venus retrograde in your second house of values and resources amps it up this summer.
Perhaps you’re applying for a job and wondering if you’re overqualified, or you’re in the early stages of a relationship and wondering if you’re worthy of this person’s undivided attention and affection.
In any case, now is the time to surround yourself with people who lift you up and show you what you have to offer. It’s also a time to be cautious about overspending; the second house rules money, so you may be looking to validate your worth through material items that you won’t find valuable later on.
Leo
Leo, hold on tight. This retrograde is in your sign, aka your first house of identity and the self, so it could have an impact on any aspect of how you present yourself to the world. As a result, you’re likely to be self-conscious about how you appear to others.
You might find yourself looking in the mirror a little longer than usual before leaving the house, feeling unsatisfied with the person in the mirror. After all, Venus is the goddess of beauty and aesthetics, which may hit close to home for you as it moves backward through your sign.
As a result, you may feel compelled to seek out a cosmetic makeover. What is the best advice? In a nutshell, don’t. Typically, beauty changes made during Venus retrogrades will not be appreciated in the future. Instead, stick to your guns and find solace in the inner beauty you’re known to exude.
Virgo
As a grounded Earth sign, you thrive on alone time—and may even crave it at times, Virgo. However, as this retrograde arrives, you may experience a stronger-than-usual desire for solitude. This is due to the fact that it occurs in your 12th house, which is the house of exile. There’s this innate sense of being on this island by yourself, learning how to be your own best friend and give yourself the love you require.
In this way, the solitude you seek or find this summer isn’t lonely; it’s what Marquardt refers to as the higher vibe of isolation. Just be wary of the dark side of solitude, which could include escapism or unhealthy detachment. Rather than avoiding certain realities, you should use this time to find peace with yourself and to love the parts of yourself that you don’t like.
Libra
Libra, this summer will be the summer of “no fake friends,” as Venus retrogrades in your 11th house of social networks. This transit may bring to light friendship issues that have long been hidden beneath the surface. It’s the sensation of spending a night out with friends at a bar while feeling mostly alone on the inside.
This disjunction could be caused by your friends saying or doing something that irritates you, or by you doing or saying something that alienates your friends. And in the latter case, you may be called out for being dishonest or otherwise manipulating your words or actions.
As a result, you may reconsider the nature of your friendships in general. “Am I surrounding myself with people who are actually uplifting or inspiring me?” ask yourself. And, if the answer is “no,” how can you make things better?
Scorpio
Scorpio, your professional reputation may be under scrutiny. With Venus retrograde in your 10th house of career, you may be pushed to consider whether others at work see and value your potential, and whether your public image has earned you respect at a higher level.
Prepare for workplace conflicts that call your status or connections into question, and you may find yourself defending what you do and how you contribute meaningfully to your team or even the world at large. This is a significant reassessment of your values in relation to your life path. The question you may be considering is, ‘Will I leave a legacy that anyone cares about?’
Finally, it’s critical to remember that no one’s legacy unfolds in isolation. Because the success of those around you is a direct reflection of your own, this transit is also about learning how to be more generous with your role at work or in life, and to demonstrate to others that they, too, matter.
Sagittarius
You can’t put the zodiac’s archetypal adventurer, Sagittarius, into a psychological box. However, as Venus retrograde moves into your ninth house of learning, travel, and education, you may begin to wonder if you’ve been living a little too comfortably.
You may feel that things that used to excite you, such as a spontaneous weekend trip, have become boring or uninteresting. And that realization may prompt you to reconsider what gives you a sense of adventure in life and how you can find more of it.
It’s possible that you’re feeling a little lost on that front as a result of changes in a relationship with a mentor figure or teacher, both of which are ruled by the ninth house. Perhaps your favorite coworker leaves, or someone in your support network becomes unavailable. This could give you the difficult feeling of needing to strike out on your own right now.
Capricorn
Capricorn, to whom or what are you indebted? As the planet moves through your eighth house of karma, Venus will direct your attention to that person or thing. Sure, this could be about monetary or financial debts, but it could also be about emotional or relational debts. And taking steps to address what you owe on all fronts will help you during this period.
You may also feel as if a close friend or partner owes you something or isn’t fulfilling the spoken or unspoken obligations of your relationship with them in this realm. Throughout this transit, ask yourself, “How am I willing to invest in my relationships, and what investment do I require from others?”
Aquarius
If anyone is going to have an ex resurface this summer, it’s you, Aquarius, because Venus is retrograde in your seventh house of partnerships. And, as previously stated, re-engage to some extent if this occurs to you. They’re returning for a reason, which could be because they were the one who got away, or it could simply be for emotional closure. (However, exploring a past relationship during Venus retrograde could provide important lessons.)
To that end, now is not the time to start dating someone new, nor is it the time to end a relationship with someone you were happily dating before the retrograde began (unless, of course, the relationship is toxic or the person does something unforgivable).
If you’re in a relationship, stick with it and set aside time for a meaningful check-in to discuss how your relationship is going and how you can spice it up or invest in it more. If you’re single, he recommends investing in yourself and self-love, as well as rethinking what relationship means to you, so you’re ready to give and receive love when the retrograde ends.
Pisces
If you look for it, Pisces, you can find joy and pleasure in everyday situations. This Venus retrograde in your sixth house of daily rituals and routines will encourage you to do just that. You are easily frazzled by daily life and are extremely resistant to feeling under any kind of pressure. So it’s all about accepting and finding beauty in the midst of chaos.
Given that the sixth house encompasses the realms of physical well-being and health, you might consider using wellness-enhancing activities as a means of increasing your joy. As an example, suppose you normally work out at a gym, but this summer you decide to dance around your apartment or go on a long walk with a friend instead.
Overall, Venus retrograde in Leo is here to show you where you might be falling into the daily rut—and to inspire feel-good ways to get yourself out of it.
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